John Rowlett (ca. 1708-1776)

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for anyone to make copies as long as the copies are for personal
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I'm indebted to Dr. William Rowlett of
Hopkinsville, Kentucky, for providing the following copy of the will
of John Rowlett. The transcription was made by Mary Beadles and
published in her book, A History of Four Jackson Purchase
Families. The original is in Prince Edward County Will Book
1, p. 210.

In the name of God Amen I John Rowlet of Prince Edward
County and Parish of St. Patricksburg, weak in body but in perfect
mind and memory Thanks be given unto God, I do ordain and make
this to be my last will and Testament in the manner and form
following.

First I give devise and bequeath to my son, John Rowlet, one
negro man named Jimmey to him and his heirs forever.

Also, I give devise and bequeath to my son, Mackness Rowlet one
half of the land I now live on as I shall hereafter
[illegible] of, also one negro man named Sam to him and
his heirs forever.

Also, I give devise and bequeath to my son, William Rowlet, the
other half the land I live on not yet given away, also one negro
boy named Rafe to him and his heirs forever.

Also, I give devise and bequeath to my daughter, Mary Rowlet,
one negro woman named Kate, also one feather bad and furniture
that she is now in possession with to her and her heirs
forever.

Also, I give devise and bequeath to my daughter, Prudence
Dickinson, one shilling to her and her heirs forever.

Also the residue of my estate not yet given away I desire may
be equally divided between all of said children except Prudence
Dickinson, and that my executors hereafter named pay all my just
debts and funeral expences, and lastly I appoint my two sons, John
and Mackness Rowlet aforesaid executors of this my last will and
Testament, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this twenty third day of October, 1776.

Signed: John Rowlet

Signed sealed and delivered
in the presence of
John Cousins, John dawson, William Cousins

(The will was presented and proved by the witnesses at Prince
Edward December Court, 1776)